Mushtaq says Shakib playing positive role in getting Bangladesh focused on cricket despite turmoil

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed said the senior cricketers, including former lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan, are helping the team to focus on the test series against Pakistan after political turmoil at home disrupted preparations.

“All the players are very mature and are very excited,” Mushtaq told reporters in Lahore on Thursday. “Management is very good with the players and seniors like Shakib are playing a positive role by talking with the young guys.”

The Bangladesh squad flew into Lahore on Tuesday, four days ahead of schedule, after training was disrupted by protests back home that forced Prime Minister Hasina Wajid to resign and parliament to be dissolved.

The Pakistan Cricket Board made special arrangements for Bangladesh to have an additional three days of training in Lahore ahead of the first test in Rawalpindi next Wednesday. Karachi will host the second match on Aug. 30.

“All the stakeholders in Bangladesh appreciate the PCB’s gesture,” Mushtaq said. “This is a great relationship between PCB and Bangladesh, and cricket will get stronger.”

Shakib was among the lawmakers in Hasina’s government. The all-rounder was selected for the series in Pakistan and was playing in a T20 league in Canada when Hasina resigned earlier this month.

Mushtaq also picked out Mushfiqur Rahim, who missed the last home test series against Sri Lanka, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed as senior squad members who are playing a positive role in helping team-mates to focus on the tests.

“They are all playing good positive roles,” Mushtaq said. “They are focusing on cricket now and everything is fine. I give credit to the team management.”

Mushtaq was appointed spin bowling coach in April ahead of the T20 World Cup, which was jointly hosted by the United States and the West Indies.

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